It ain't 'arf hot Mum 40:31.5N 54:35.8 miles done 777 to go 1272 to Terciera
Ellatrout3
Sat 12 Jul 2014 22:35
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Yesterday started well, we had a steady breeze which
became sqally as rain clouds came over so the morning was spent taking in and
letting out reefs which is quite hard work for this old guy! By lunch time
it had settled down to a light wind on the quarter with hazey sunshine and very
sultry. Light wind in this direction makes balancing the boat so that the
wind steering vane keeps her on course quite difficult.
When the wind is coming from ahead the boats forward
speed increases the apparent wind that the wind steering vane has to work
with and conversely when the wind is from behind it the foreward speed
reduces the wind on the vane and its power to control the boat. So slight
changes in wind direction or speed mean constant attention to sail setting and
steering. All afternoon I experimented with different settings, I boomed the jib
out on the leeward side to give the main more air; that didn't work although it
has done for me in the past. I put the Asymetrical spinnaker (cruising
shute) up which completely overpowered the selfsteering which meant I could not
leave the helm for minute, it would have been fine with a crew, or my electric
tiller pilot but that failed as I left Plymouth so that didn't
work! By evening I was completely knackered which is why I just gave you
my position.
So that was yesterday; a day of messing about in boats and
not achieving much. I know I'm not alone in this because talking to Paul
this morning he was having similar difficulties.
Today started the same a light wind aft of abeam making
you work constantly to keep her in trim. The principle difference was
there has not been a cloud in the sky and the sun has poured done all day.
As I write it is just dropping down into the sea shining straight through my
companion way and lighting up the cabin. Beautiful really and
just for a change the boat has kept course for the last hour without me
adjusting anything. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, this is
sailing, this is how it is, and what a difference from going the other
way. I am also a little sun burnt in places I shouldn't be, but hey! out
here with a clear blue horizon in every direction you can do as you please. It
will be back to civilisation all too quickly.
Changing the subject; I had a long chat with Andy Lane by
satalite phone today. He is about half way between the Azores and France
and I think he was pleased to receive my call. We are going to keep in
touch until he makes landfall in about seven days. He enthused about
Flores, the Azores island of flowers, and as it is the furthest west of the
Azores islands little visited, As I was unable to go to Martha's Vineyard,
and if I am early, I shall stop for a day or two; probably my one and only
chance?
The sun has just dropped into the sea and it feels cooler
already, time to get some dinner I think?
Love Poppa/Dad/Roger.
Ps if you know the title above you're showing your
age!
R.
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